Job Announcement

Provides professional planning analysis and staff recommendations for complex or controversial requests associated with either application for rezoning, special exception, special permit and/or variance applications or questions related to determinations of substantial conformance with such approvals. Analysis and judgments based on detailed research of zoning site history and evaluation of land use, transportation, public facilities, and environmental planning. Prepares detailed written responses including interpretation letters and staff reports. Duties include presentation of findings and recommendations to the Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors, Board of Zoning Appeals, citizen stakeholders, county agencies and requestor/applicant. Performs other duties as assigned. Position is located within the Zoning Evaluation Division. This recruitment may be used to fill more than one position.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

(The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

• Advanced knowledge of the principles of urban planning and zoning;
• Ability to read, comprehend, and interpret documents relating to land use, zoning, environmental planning, public facilities, and information technology, among others;
• Ability to write, proofread, edit, and rewrite documents effectively and to produce accurate documents with only limited, oversight supervision;
• Ability to collect, synthesize and analyze research data and to present in written form;
• Ability to analyze and evaluate land use and development plans and to form sound practical recommendations;
• Ability to use a computer to access information, to conduct research and to perform basic word processing and spreadsheet operations;
• Ability to establish and to maintain good working relationships with co-workers, elected and appointed officials, development representatives and citizens;
• Ability to speak and to respond to questions effectively before individuals, citizen groups and public bodies;
• Ability to prepare clear and concise written and oral reports;
• Ability to set individual priorities, to manage time efficiently, and to exhibit sound judgment;
• Ability to manage complex projects independently or to serve as a team leader;
• Ability to meet and to deal effectively with county representatives, clients and the public;
• Ability to identify effective solutions to process or programmatic problems.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QULIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")
graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in a planning related field; plus four years of experience in a planning-related field, preferably in the specific area of assignment. A master's degree may be substituted for one year of the required experience. The years of experience should include a minimum of three years of experience in the specific area of assignment, e.g., zoning evaluation, zoning administration, zoning enforcement, public facility, environmental and/or land use planning.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Public sector planning experience at the senior level with four or more years of experience in one or more of the areas of assignment listed above. Demonstrated experience evaluating complex zoning issues. Strong written and oral communication skills. Experience using a personal computer for word processing, database research, presentations and GIS applications. Master's degree in planning or a closely-related field.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Position is primarily sedentary. However, employee may be required to do some walking, standing, bending and carrying of items under 15 pounds in weight. Work assignments may also require that the employee make site visits and inspections. Employee must be able to operate keyboard driven equipment. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or status as a veteran in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.